Module 7 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Data Presentation
The most used data presentation tools in quantitative research are tables
and graphs. Presented below are some of the tips pn when these tools are used
for the presentation of the results of the study
1. Graphs show the distribution, comparison, or relation in a set of data
such as absolute values or percentages. There are different types of
graphs:
a. Area Graph is best used for four to six data series because it shows
the relationship of the different parts to a whole over time.

Profit made by a chain of grocery stores

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
January February March April May June

Store 1 Store 2 Store 3 Store 4

b. Column graph is best used for one to three data series when the
author wants to show the differences between the values based on
data groupings vertically. In the case of several data series, it is more
advisable to use clustered bar graphs than stacked bar graphs.
 Wildlife Population
160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Dolphins Whales

Example of a Column Graph

c. Bar graph is best for one or two data series when the author wants to
show the differences between the values based on data groupings
horizontally. However, bar graphs are not good for showing values in
different time periods.
 Profit in 2016, 2017 & 2018

Books

Electronic

Furniture

Food items

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

2018 2017 2016

d. Line graph is best used in presenting values at different points in time

which can be usually composed of four to six data series. In using this
kind of graph, having equal time intervals in the horizontal axis of the
graph will help the reader understand the data easier.

Average monthly rainfall

6

0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

City 1 City 2
 e. Pie graph is best used in presenting general findings which belong to
only one data series

Recommended Diet

5%
9%
30%
15%

18%
23%

Fruit Protein Vegetables Dairy Grains Other

2. Tables presents the data in an orderly display of rows and columns to

help readers easily compare the numerical figures. In using a table,
precise values are more helpful

Table 1. Cadmium Content

Sampl Minimum Maximum Mean Standard
e Deviation
Shrimp 2.6972 5.9431ppm 4.34255 1.31
ppm ppm
Squid 0.1229 4.1523 1.91373 1.01
ppm ppm ppm
 Example of a table in APA Format (Calinawan et al. 2019)
Whether the author/s selects the graph or the table in data presentation,
the following must always be kept in mind:

1. These tools are used to reference the key points that need to be
highlighted in the study. Thus it should be self-explanatory.
2. The main purpose of the tools is to answer more questions than they
pose so it is very important that the graphs or the tables only include
the information needed to present the key points of the study.
3. In selecting the tool to be used, the data to be presented should be
taken into consideration in order to ensure that the data gathered will
be easily understood by the reader.

Analysis and Interpretation of Data

Data Analysis is the process wherein the important findings of the study
presented in the tables or graphs are emphasized. The analysis of the gathered
data will help the author see patterns, unanticipated results, and unique
perspectives. Here are some examples.

Example 1
Number of (o) (NO) % %(NO
Observation TOTAL TOTAL (0) )
s
(n)
Store A 15 3 12 20 80
Store B 15 8 7 53 47

Percent 90.91 52.63

Difference
(%)
 Legend (0) – Observed, (NO) -Not Observed
Between the two stores sampled, Store A employed 20% (n=3) of good
practices while Store B employed 53% (n=8) of the total good practices. Store B
has employed better practices in the storage and handling of ice with percentage
difference of 90.91%. Furthermore, both stores have violated a number of
practices, with Store A having a total of 80% (n=80), and Store B with 47% (n=7).
The results indicated that street food vendors employ minimal practices in
handling their food products.

Figure 1 – Total Observed and Not Observed Practices and Sanitation of

Selected Food Stalls along the Streets of Congressional Avenue. ( Dasmarinas City,
Cavite (Felipe et al., 2019)

Data Interpretation on the other hand is drawing comprehensive

statements after the statistical analysis. To establish an empirical basis for the
conclusion, a discussion should be provided to explain the findings of the study
wherein the implications and inferences will be drawn. To do this, it is advisable
to compare and contrast it with the findings of other related studies.

Example 1
Table 3. Test results of different classification of vegetables in three different
supermarkets
Classificatio Supermarket Supermarket Supermarket
n A B C
Leafy Unsatisfactory Marginal Marginal
Non-leafy Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Marginal
Root Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

Among all selected supermarkets where the samples were obtained,

Supermarket A has been determined to be unsatisfactory. Supermarket A also
showed a greater number of bacteria than, the other two. Supermarket A may
have originated from unhygienic and improper food management, based from its
results that show it is labeled as completely unsatisfactory. It exceeds the
acceptable number of CFU for level 2 Standard Plate Count of ICMSF (2014). From
improper preservation, storage, and transport, a certain portion may be due to
spoilage (Hammond, 2015). Another study claims that the farming method used
in growing affects the type of bacteria grown in the produce (Leff & Ferrer, 2013).
Lastly, Supermarket C obtained Satisfactory, Marginal and Unsatisfactory quality
of vegetables in leafy, non-leafy, and root vegetables respectively. Therefore, for
each vegetable type, Supermarket C implies a certain condition in the vegetable
sample itself.
Figure 2 – Bacterial Detection in Pre-Packed Mixed Salads Sold in Selected
Local Supermarkets Along Dasmarinas City, Cavite (De Los Santos et al., 2019)

Something to think about

Choose the appropriate graph or table to present the data below and provide an
analysis and interpretation of the data gathered.
Students Who Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day
1. Age 7-9 years old
Frequency : 8
2. Age 10- 12 years old
Frequency:10
3. Age 13- 15 years old
Frequency :8
4. Age 16-18 years old
Frequency : 27
30

25

20

15

10

0
7 -9 10 - 12 13 -15 16 - 18